These days adolescents are having to make more tough choices than ever before. Because girls are reaching puberty as early as age 10 and are choosing to marry in their mid to late 20's, it is the longest adolescence in history. NOW is the time to become aware of the many risks in having premarital sex. These risks are not just physical, they are also emotional. RISKY SEX . . . is it worth it? You run the RISK of intense confusion about true feelings. Premarital sex can lead to the illusion that couples know and care about each other more than they actually do. Often individuals are not seeking sex but emotional closeness, trust and the vulnerability of true intimacy. This is friendship. The RISK of a premature marriage. Sometimes couples mistake sex for belief that they are ready for marriage. Premature marriage may bring unexpected and unwanted responsibilities that they definitely do not need! The RISK of being caught in a pattern of bad relationships. A pattern of bad relationships can happen because of a need for love, and lack of self respect. Choose a different path... raise the standard of people you date. Establish new goals, stay out of a sexual relationship until you are married and in a committed relationship. The RISK of damaging the most delicate sex organ of the body—the mind. The mind is incredibly complex. Often past sexual experiences interfere with future intimate relationships. As a teen in this world you must make educated choices about your sexuality. Your choices will affect your future and the consequences of these choices are your own. 85% of teen females who get pregnant do not finish high school. Don't become a statistic. Take a stand and remember that it's never too late for a fresh start. You need to educate yourself and you need to take a solid stance on your sexuality. Wait until you are in a life-long, committed relationship. Once engaged in sexual activity is very hard to stop. That's why it's important for you to set limits before you start dating. It's also important to recognize the motives of whomever you are dating. Make sure that he is in it for the long run not just for another fun night. Here in Western Manitoba the most common STI’s are Herpes, HPV/Genital Warts, and Chlamydia. A condom is not much help against these, in fact even skin-to-skin contact may spread Herpes and Genital Warts. If you suspect that you have an STI, do not delay in getting tested, contact your medical doctor and get tested, go to a public health care clinic and get tested. Click on the following STI’s for their definitions: Herpes Genital Warts / Human Papilloma Virus Chlamydia Hepatitis B HIV / AIDS Gonorrhea Syphilis